iRobot charges $999 for the Combo j9+, but the $550 Roborock S8 cleans smarter and mops better.
Product Image: Xataka
8.4
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Roomba Combo j9+ ($999 on sale, $1,399 list) brings iRobot’s best mopping and a self emptying dock, but the Roborock S8 ($549.99 on sale) matches it on vacuuming and beats it on mopping smarts for nearly half the price. For most homes, the S8 is the better buy.
What We Like
- Nearly half the price of the Roomba
- 6000Pa suction with dual roller brushes
- Sonic mopping scrubs floors effectively
- ReactiveAI obstacle avoidance is excellent
- Auto lifting mop keeps carpets dry
What We Don’t Like
- Roomba's self emptying dock holds more debris
- iRobot's app and support are more polished
- S8 has no self emptying base included
- Roomba brand has deeper US service network
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
How they compare: the Roomba Combo j9+ feels like the more premium package with its auto empty dock and refined design. The Roborock S8 counters with stronger raw specs: 6000Pa suction, dual rubber rollers that resist hair tangles, and a vibrating mop head. Both navigate well, but the S8’s obstacle avoidance feels a generation ahead. Build quality is solid on both, with iRobot’s dock giving it the more luxurious daily experience.
Value
Price comparison: this is not close on price, $999 for the Roomba on sale versus $549.99 for the S8. The Roomba’s self emptying dock explains part of the gap, but $450 is a lot to pay for a bigger dustbin. The S8 delivers 90 percent of the cleaning for about half the money.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Roborock S8 if you want top tier cleaning and mopping without the premium tax.
Who Should Skip It
Skip the S8 if a self emptying dock is non negotiable; the Roomba Combo j9+ owns that convenience.
FINAL VERDICT
The Roborock S8 wins clearly. It vacuums as well, mops better, navigates smarter, and costs $450 less than the Roomba Combo j9+. The Roomba’s dock is lovely, but not $450 lovely.
8.4 / 10
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